Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died of brain cancer at age 58, the NBA announced Monday.

Mutombo was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022. He spent his 18-year career with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. He earned three All-NBA selections and appeared in eight All-Star Games.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.

“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years — with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”

“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him back.”

According to ESPN, Mutombo ranked 20th in rebounds (12,359) in NBA history and finished second in career blocks with 3,289.

In 1997, he founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which focused on improving health and education for people in Congo. He also served on boards for Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.